New law would force doctors to perform abortions

Madrid, Spain, May 7, 2004 / 12:00 am (CNA).- Numerous health care professionals in Spain are expressing their concern about two bills sponsored by Green party and leftist legislators that would impose fines and strip the medical licenses of doctors who refuse to practice abortions.

The two bills proposed by environmentalist and leftwing lawmakers would allow abortion if two doctors certify a woman’s request for the procedure.

As a result, both bills would stipulate that doctors, nurses and health care workers who refuse to participate in the performing of an abortion would be accused of denial of treatment, an offense which in Spanish penal code results in the loss of one’s medical license and the imposition of fines.

In addition, the bills propose the creation of an official list of healthcare professionals who have refused to participate in abortions.

Healthcare professionals fear the beginning of a “witch hunt” with an unconstitutional law that respects neither the right to life nor freedom of conscience.

A similar bill was proposed by the Socialist Party (PSOE) when it was last in majority, between the years of 1993-1995. At that time it failed to pass.